Fourth Phase of Major Drag Race Series to Take Place in Qatar this Weekend

The ongoing development of Qtel’s sports sponsorship strategy received another boost today, with the news that Qtel is to sponsor the Qatar Race Club in a series of national and regional events set to take place this season.

Qtel’s sponsorship strategy looks to support all sports in Qatar that have a strong emotional connection with the community, and, given the popularity of car and bike racing, this new agreement is set to strike a chord.

The Qatar Race Club is one of the key automotive societies in the Gulf region, supporting a range of prestigious events and activities. Qtel’s sponsorship will enable it to expand the range of public events it conducts in 2009, and will make a significant contribution to operating costs.

During the recent redevelopment of the Club’s track, it has invested significantly in safety measures and new technology to ensure that this season is the safest yet, and to impress upon young people the importance of safe driving. Qtel, which has been an active supporter of road safety campaigns in Qatar, will work alongside the club in extending this activity.

Faisal Saud Al Hinzab, Secretary, Qatar Race Club, said: “We are very pleased to receive the support of Qtel, which plays should a major role in supporting all kinds of sport across Qatar and even internationally. Working with them will provide us with an important technological and operational boost, as we look to increase interest in the sport across Qatar.”

Qtel’s sponsorship will ensure that automotive sport in Qatar is supported by the best vehicles, crew, equipment and research available. Long-term sponsorship is important because the costs of automotive sport can be challenging for local teams.

One of the first events set to take place under the aegis of the Qtel Sponsorship will be a the fourth phase of the Qatar Drag Race series, to be held at the Qatar Race Club on Thursday and Friday this week.

Adel Al Mutawa, Executive Director, Group Communications, Qtel, said: “Working with the Qatar Race Club will provide us with an interesting opportunity to get involved with racing at a grassroots and regional level, and to look to engage more people with the sport.”

Qatar is increasingly developing an international reputation as a supporter and promoter of automotive sport, and drag racing in particular.